Leo Messi scored twice and recorded a secondary assist as Inter Miami CF defeated Atlanta United FC 3-1 on the road Oct. 18, 2026, in Atlanta, Georgia. The victory marked Inter Miami CF’s third consecutive regular-season win and gave the club a listed record of 15 wins, five losses and 10 draws for 55 points. Germán Berterame also scored for Inter Miami CF, while Fafa Picault converted Atlanta United FC’s penalty in the 89th minute.
Inter Miami CF takes lead before halftime
The match remained even in the opening minutes before Inter Miami CF created the breakthrough. Messi nearly opened the scoring in the 41st minute, but Atlanta United FC’s goalkeeper saved his free kick near the top-right corner. Berterame then headed in Suárez’s cross from the right in the 45th minute to put Inter Miami CF ahead.
The goal was Berterame’s ninth of the regular season, and Suárez’s assist was his 11th. Messi recorded the secondary assist on the play, reaching 15 assists this regular season. He also became the first player in MLS history to record at least 15 assists in three consecutive seasons.
Messi scores twice after halftime
Messi doubled Inter Miami CF’s lead in the 56th minute after combining with Berterame and finishing with a grounded left-footed shot. The goal was Messi’s 24th of the league campaign, while Berterame’s assist was his 10th of the regular season. Inter Miami CF then added another goal four minutes later.
In the 60th minute, Suárez played Messi into space with a pass, and Messi finished at the bottom-right corner to complete his brace. The goal gave Messi 25 goals this regular season and extended his lead in the MLS Golden Boot race. Suárez’s assist was his 12th of the league campaign and made him the second player to reach 100 goal contributions for Inter Miami CF.
Atlanta United FC scores late
Picault converted a penalty in the 89th minute to reduce the deficit for Atlanta United FC. Inter Miami CF held on for the 3-1 victory and its third consecutive regular-season win. Atlanta United FC finished with more shots, but Inter Miami CF maintained the result.
Inter Miami CF recorded 54.1% possession, seven shots, two saves, two corners and 11 fouls. Atlanta United FC had 45.9% possession, 21 shots, two saves, five corners and eight fouls.
Inter Miami CF starting lineup
St. Clair started in goal for Inter Miami CF. Gonzalo Luján, Casemiro, Micael and Sergio Reguilón formed the back four, while Rodrigo De Paul, David Ayala and Matías Galarza started in midfield. Messi, Suárez and Berterame led the attack.
What comes next
Inter Miami CF will visit Red Bull New York on Saturday, Oct. 24, at 5:30 p.m. ET. The match is scheduled for Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey. The meeting follows Inter Miami CF’s three-match regular-season winning streak.
FSB Take
Messi’s brace led Inter Miami CF to its third consecutive regular-season victory while adding another major MLS milestone to his season. Berterame and Suárez also reached significant statistical marks in the road win, with Berterame scoring and assisting and Suárez contributing three assists. Inter Miami CF now turns to its Oct. 24 visit to Red Bull New York.
Source: Original report